Buildings were damaged in Houston and school officials canceled classes in the city on Friday, citing the destruction. It may take the city as much as 48 hours to restore power to some customers.
Some residents in the Houston area along the east bank of the San Jacinto River were urged to leave before nightfall. Crews had rescued people and animals from flooded areas.
The W.H.O. had requested detailed information about a reported surge in respiratory illnesses in children in China. Chinese data suggested the surge was caused by known bacteria and viruses.